Hand, Nail, & Cuticle Treatments
5/30/13

Since I'm generally wearing nail polish, my poor nails have a tendency to become dry and weak. I've recently started allowing my nails a chance to breathe, and try going about a week a month without my beloved mani/pedis. It was then I realized that my regular hand creams simply weren't enough to nourish and heal my tortured nails and cuticles. I began trying various lotions and creams, and struggled to find a product that was effective. 

I first tried h20+ Spa Hand and Nail Cream. I'd read some positive blog posts about the brand, and was excited to try it for myself. It comes in both large and travel sizes ($16/$6.50). A total steal. I first used it at bedtime, with little success. I reapplied the cream several times throughout the night and didn't notice any benefit or improvement to my nails or cuticles. In fact, my hands were craving more moisture than this cream delivers. Unwilling to toss the two creams I'd purchased (I'd also picked up the travel size version), I've taken to using it throughout the day. The scent is very pleasant since it's from a spa collection. 

My next purchase was Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream, which also comes in both large and travel sizes ($30/$10). I'd already been using their Age Control Hand Lotion with SPF 15 for years, and love it. I immediately found this cream to be far richer than the h20+ treatment, and loved how it leaves my hands feeling moisturized without being greasy. I also noticed an immediate improvement in nail strength and appearance. The scent is light and pleasant. It seems a tad pricey, but a little goes a long way and my first tubes have been going strong for nearly two months. I love the travel size, and always keep one in my handbag. TSA-friendly to boot!

As I mentioned in a recent post, I'm currently getting my feet wet with Aēsop and purchased their Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm ($25/$95). It promises to "effectively soften and hydrate hands, cuticles, and feet." That's a big promise! It definitely has the texture and feel of a lotion and not a cream, and the scent is...earthy. Almost medicinal. The ingredients highlighted include mandarin rind, rosemary leaf, and cedarwood atlas. Unfortunately, my hands felt dry within 15-20 minutes after application. That and the scent make this a no-go for me. Strike two, Aēsop. 

Now that I've found the perfect hand cream, I decided to give my cuticles a little extra love. I tried Melt Away Cuticle Eliminator by butter London ($18) and all I can say is, IT ACTUALLY WORKS! The product aims to break down and soften dead skin cells. I chose to ignore the instructions and am glad I did! I simply apply liberally to my cuticles, wait a couple of moments for it to dry, and finish by rubbing in the Clarins Cream. My other secret weapon is one of my favorite lip balms. At bedtime, I apply By Terry Baume de Rose to my lips and cuticles, and finish with a more heavy duty hand cream (post to come). This regimen has left me with soft, youthful hands and healthy cuticles. A less expensive option for added nighttime cuticle care is L'Occitane Certified Organic Pure Shea Butter ($40/$12), followed by a rich hand cream. The small tin is perfect for travel, and the large tin is also excellent for use on feet and elbows at night. Gotta love great, multi-purpose products!

My verdict? Clarins is far and away the best treatment I've found. Combined with butter's Melt Away, your hands, nails and cuticles will be healthy and beautiful. Adding the By Terry or L'Occitane products at bedtime will provide extra TLC while you sleep. 

- Clarins Hand & Nail Treatment is $10 for 1.7 oz. & $30 for 3.5 oz.
- h20+ Spa Hand and Nail Cream is $6.50 for 2 oz. & $16 for 6 oz.
- Aēsop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm is $25 for 2.5 oz. & $95 for 16.67 oz.
- butter London Melt Away Cuticle Eliminator is $18 for 0.5 oz.
- By Terry Baume de Rose is $60 for 0.35 oz.
- L'Occitane Certified Organic Pure Shea Butter is $12 for 0.6 oz. & $40 for 4.9 oz.

Clarins, butter London, & L'Occitane are available at Nordstrom. h20 is available at beauty.com. Aēsop & By Terry are available at Barneys. 

By Terry: Baume de Rose

5/19/13

While I've been known to be a Dr. Hauschka Lip Balm devotee, I'm also known for cheating on my products in the endless search for the next best thing. First I cheated with La Mer, and fell in love (post to follow). What could be better? I found myself confronted with the same, pricey lip balm by various beauty bloggers and Barneys, whom I blame for a large number of my beauty splurges. Could this $60 pot of lip balm be all I've heard? I broke down and ponied up. 

The packaging is gorgeous, which explains a portion of the hefty price tag. The beautiful frosted jar with a silver reflective screw top is substantial. Once open, the light pink hue and rose scent is inviting and luxurious. I'm a fan of jarred lip balms, as I generally find the formulas to be more effective. 

The texture of this balm is rich and silky, with a little going a long way. I've been slathering it on with abandon at night to take advantage of its anti-aging properties. I awake with soft, supple lips. For the first time, I haven't found the need to reapply in the middle of the night. I've also started rubbing the balm into my nails and cuticles (as indicated), and I've experienced fewer hangnails while my cuticles are also in great shape. Win/win!

I've taken to applying a thin layer of the balm under lipstick with positive results. No feathering, and my lipsticks glide on with ease. Since my lips are well hydrated, I find that I'm reapplying lipstick less often. It also makes my lips plump and shiny when worn alone. What can I say? Alongside La Mer and Dr. Hauschka, this has become a go-to balm. Is it worth the money? Well that all depends on your preferences. 

My verdict? Definitely a keeper.

Available at Barneys, beauty.com, C.O. Bigelow, & Bloomingdales.